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Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist raises plasma concentrations of progestogens and enhances milt fluidity in male Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus)

Fish Physiology and Biochemistry volume 22, pages 77–87 (2000)Cite this article

Abstract

In two separate spawning seasons, spermiating male Atlantic halibut were implanted with pellets containing gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa). Males were bled repeatedly, and milt samples were collected. Blood samples were assayed for free and conjugated steroids: testosterone, 11-ketotestosterone, 17,20α-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17,20α-P), 17,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17,20β-P), 17,20β,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one and steroids with a 17,20β configuration. Towards the end of the first season, pellets were implanted into three wild-caught and three hatchery-reared males. No control fish were available. The major progestogen in plasma was identified as sulphated 5β-pregnane-3β,17,20β-triol (3β,17,20β-P-5β-S). Concentrations of this steroid were stimulated by the GnRHa. Sulphated 17,20β-P was also identified in the plasma, but at 10-fold lower concentrations than 3β,17,20β-P-5β-S. In the middle of the second season, pellets were implanted into five hatchery-reared males; five unimplanted males were used as controls. Levels of androgens fell following GnRHa treatment, levels of progestogens rose briefly, and there was a significant increase in the fluidity of the milt. Of all the measured steroids, free and sulphated 17,20α-P showed the best correlation with milt fluidity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Reproductive Biology and Behaviour Group, Research Center for Ornithology of the Max Planck Society, Postfach 1564, D-82305, Starnberg (Seewiesen), Germany

    E.L.M. Vermeirssen

  2. Marine Farming Unit, Sea Fish Industry Authority, Ardtoe, Acharacle, Argyll, PH36 4LD, UK

    R.J. Shields

  3. Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK

    C. Mazorra de Quero

  4. Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 0HT, UK

    A.P. Scott

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Vermeirssen, E., Shields, R., Mazorra de Quero, C. et al. Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist raises plasma concentrations of progestogens and enhances milt fluidity in male Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus). Fish Physiology and Biochemistry 22, 77–87 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1007820913009

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1007820913009

  • androgens
  • GnRHa
  • halibut
  • milt fluidity
  • progestogens
  • sperm
  • steroid conjugates

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